Realistic requirements for optimal gameplay
Yup, the "minimum system requirements" listed on the FSX package are pure rubbish though Microsoft and the FSX developers state otherwise. The truth is you will need at MINIMUM:

3GHz CPU with good cooling.

80 gig Hard Drive (15 gig for FSX and then when you start adding Addons, your HD space gets used up quickly).

OK, I have a copy of FutureMarks own testing program 'SysMark05', and I get over 13000 score there, just run this one, and the poor arrow didn't quite know what to do, it was to the right of the green band.

Id like to hear from someone with similar specs. I have heard people with 3+ Mhz, better video cards, and 1gig of ram only get 10 fps. I want this simulator but I am not upgrading PC anytime soon so if it is unflyable Ill wait.

I've put the display sliders in the middle and I'm getting around 16/17 fps when I'm not in a high density area. It goes down to the low teens when I'm in Vancouver or Seattle with a stutter or two but quite flyable.

Overall the performance is about the same as fs9 with the downloaded scenery I'd added. Out of the box the scenery is much more accurate and the missions are a hoot so I'm happy with it.

I've put the display sliders in the middle and I'm getting around 16/17 fps when I'm not in a high density area. It goes down to the low teens when I'm in Vancouver or Seattle with a stutter or two but quite flyable.

Overall the performance is about the same as fs9 with the downloaded scenery I'd added. Out of the box the scenery is much more accurate and the missions are a hoot so I'm happy with it.

Yeah but your kicking my but in the areas of Processors and video cards. maybe I should let this one go for a while.

..... and there I went and bought FSX because I looked at the system requirements and said 'well, my PC should be fine! '
But then I installed it. I launched it (which took at least 10 minutes.... ) and when I went for a free flight it didnt work smooth at all.... And then I felt a little angry at Microsoft, especially after I went to the PC game advisor website that ranked my PC as WOW
So what do I do now, experts? Should I upgrade my MB RAM to at least a Gig, like the Staples guy told me? What's really wrong with my PC after I upgraded it already several times?!! If you have an answer to my concerns, please e-mail me at cristian_fs2002@hotmail.com. You can be sure it will be very much appreciated if you help me out here!

Your CPU is on the low side but not all that bad.
You should bump up your memory.
The biggest bottleneck it that old video card.
If you have an AGP slot get the best you can afford, that should show some difference.

Be careful with the settings and you should enjoy flying.
Right now the best flying that you can do is in Alaska in the winter.
Shut down all scenery and boost up mesh, don't have any autogen.
You can max out the aircraft detail but stay away from the AI.

Hi Guys
Just thought I would let you know bought this msx sim weekend and unless you have it running at lowest settings I would give this a big thumbs down and stick with 2004 version, I have now been able to return my msx to the retailer, and get my money back and I will stick with 2004 and I also feel sorry for those people who have spent there hard earnt cash on the sim and not getting the enjoyment they should have

I HAVE FSX installed on my comp and I have setting on low and because I have upgraded from FS 98 to FSX, even on low settings FSX still kicks ass. So for me there is no dissapointment.

I have the bug however to upgrade my PC. My dilemma however is whether to wait until the end of 07 and build a MEGA PC with all the latest stuff which will last at least 6 months. OR give my current system a minor facelift.

I know for a fact I can upgrade the RAM to a max of 2048 MB. So I can get two 1 GB sticks at £82.24 each. Question is will this make any real difference to flight sim? Is the upgrade from 512 MB to 2 GB RAM worth £164.48 GBP ?

I know I need to upgrade the card but I figured I would wait until the DX 10 cards are available?

I don't think there is anything I can do about the processor in terms of an upgrade... is there ?

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